10-Day Scotland Tour Packages
What if ten days let you dig into Scotland's distant past and wild landscapes? Tours head to Orkney Islands where you'll find Neolithic villages at Skara Brae older than pyramids. Routes include Cairngorms for hiking and wildlife watching, stays in remote fishing villages like Ullapool, and plenty of time on the Isle of Skye. Highland routes showcase dramatic scenery while getting under country's skin through heritage.
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Scotland tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
10 Day Scotland Itinerary, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye
Ten magnificent days across 11 Scottish destinations, from Edinburgh's historic center to the remote Hebrides. Take in St Andrews University, Cairngorms National Park, and three Scottish islands - Skye, Mull, and Iona, with 9 breakfasts and 5 dinners included.
- Days 1-2
Edinburgh & St Andrews
Visit Edinburgh Castle right when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid crowds. One traveler noted: "The castle views are best in early morning light before tour buses arrive." On day 2 take the 2-hour coastal drive to St Andrews. You'll need 2-3 hours to explore the medieval ruins and famous golf courses.
- Days 3-4
Cairngorms & Inverness
Stay in the Cairngorms area to explore both the national park and Royal Deeside. The Balmoral Arms offers comfortable accommodation but remember to pack layers for unpredictable mountain weather. In Inverness try the local whisky distilleries. A recent visitor shared: "The Highland Folk Museum was a highlight - it really brings Scottish history to life, especially if you're an Outlander fan."
- Days 5-7
Highlands & Isle of Skye
The Inverness to Skye drive takes 3 hours. Stop at Culloden Battlefield before 11 AM to avoid crowds and make time for Loch Ness. Pack good walking shoes for Skye's rocky trails at the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr. One traveler advised: "The weather changes every 20 minutes on Skye, bring waterproof layers and be flexible with your plans."
- Days 8-9
Isle of Mull & Iona
Book the morning ferry from Mallaig to Mull in advance during summer. The Iona crossing takes 45 minutes and depends on tides. Stay in Tobermory with its picturesque waterfront. The Western Isles Hotel provides excellent harbor views.
- Day 10
Stirling & Return to Edinburgh
On your 5-hour return trip stop at Stirling Castle. Arrive at opening time (9:30 AM) to see the Great Hall and Royal Palace without crowds. It's about an hour more to Edinburgh from there.
10 Day Scotland Itinerary, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye
The northern reaches of Scotland unfold over 10 days across 14 destinations including Kirkwall, Stornoway, and Portree. Marvel at 5,000-year-old Skara Brae, trek the Quiraing on Skye, and visit the Italian Chapel in Orkney. Nine nights' accommodation and breakfasts included for £4,200.
- Days 1-2
Edinburgh to the Northern Highlands
Your journey begins at Edinburgh's Bus Station at 8:15 AM. The route to Inverness winds through stunning Highland scenery with stops at Glencoe and Loch Ness for photos. One traveler shared, "The places visited were special, especially the Orkneys and Western Hebrides islands which did not disappoint." On day 2 you'll travel to John o'Groats and cross Pentland Firth to Orkney. Bring motion sickness tablets for the ferry ride.
- Days 3-4
Orkney Islands & Ullapool
Spend day 3 exploring Orkney's UNESCO sites. You'll visit the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae settlement and walk among the ancient Ring of Brodgar stones. Pack waterproof clothing since Orkney weather changes quickly. On day 4 you'll return to mainland Scotland and travel to Ullapool via the North Coast. Stop for lunch at the atmospheric Ardvreck Castle ruins.
- Days 5-6
Ullapool & The Outer Hebrides
Take a morning wildlife cruise from Ullapool to spot seals and dolphins around the Summer Isles. The next day brings a 2.5-hour ferry ride to Stornoway on Lewis and Harris. Visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse for incredible Atlantic views. Make sure to try Stornoway's famous black pudding for dinner.
- Days 7-8
Lewis, Harris & Skye
Visit the ancient Callanish Standing Stones (closed September 2024-March 2025) and explore traditional blackhouse villages. Day 8 takes you to Luskentyre Beach on Harris, with its Caribbean-like white sand and blue water. Bring sunglasses for beach time but be ready for quick weather shifts. An afternoon ferry brings you to the colorful town of Portree on Skye.
- Days 9-10
Isle of Skye & Return
Start early on Skye to avoid crowds at the Quiraing and Kilt Rock. Your final day includes visits to Eilean Donan Castle and Ben Nevis before arriving back in Edinburgh around 7 PM. Book a hotel in Edinburgh for your last night since you'll get in late.
9 Day Scotland Itinerary, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye
Highland heritage comes alive over 9 days at 9 key destinations including Edinburgh Castle, Skara Brae village, and the Isle of Skye. Accommodations include the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness and Dunollie Hotel on Skye, plus whisky tasting at Old Pulteney and cream tea at Atholl Palace.
- Days 1-2
Edinburgh
Get to Edinburgh before 1 PM to maximize your first day. The Royal Mile links Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace. Book castle tickets online to skip the lines and set aside 3 hours for your visit. If you're there in August you can catch the Military Tattoo at the castle. "The Tattoo was an amazing performance—a real high point with both military and civilian performers."
- Day 3
St. Andrews and Highland Capital
Travel north across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews where golf history and royal romance meet. Visit the cathedral ruins in the morning light. Stop for cream tea at Atholl Palace on your way to Inverness. The total drive takes about 3.5 hours without stops.
- Day 4
Loch Ness and Northern Coast
Start at Culloden Battlefield when it opens at 9 AM. The visitor center offers an excellent look at the 1746 battle. Follow Loch Ness north to Wick and choose between the Old Pulteney whisky distillery or the Heritage Museum. The coastal drive offers beautiful views but take your time on the winding roads.
- Day 5
Orkney Islands
Take the hour-long morning ferry to the Orkneys. Visit the ancient village of Skara Brae early to avoid strong afternoon winds. Include stops at the Ring of Brodgar stone circle and Kirkwall's St. Magnus Cathedral to see different periods of Orkney history.
- Days 6-7
Isle of Skye and Glencoe
Cross to Skye over the Kyle of Lochalsh bridge. The Cuillin Hills create a dramatic backdrop. Stop for photos at Eilean Donan Castle. "The weather changes rapidly on Skye—pack waterproofs and layers even in summer." Move on to Glencoe where rangers lead walks explaining the Highland environment.
- Days 8-9
Loch Lomond and Glasgow
Take the scenic route along Loch Lomond to Glasgow. You can join a boat trip on the loch if interested. Glasgow blends Victorian grandeur with modern culture. See St. Mungo's Cathedral and George Square. The tour ends after breakfast on day 9 with airport transfers starting at 6:30 AM.
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A Scottish Journey
Scotland's Far North - 10 days
Country Roads of Scotland (Classic)
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Discover Scotland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Glasgow to Edinburgh) (2026)
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What people love about 10-day Scotland tours
A WONDERFUL time with Ted of Backroads Tours!! Highly recommended!!
A Scottish Journey
- Scotland's Far North - 10 days
All in all, I am very happy with this trip. From Inverness to Orkney, then from Lewis and Harris to Skye, we visited a lot of amazing places, seen breathtaking views and leant about Scottish history. We had 2 different guides, Graem and Martin, and both were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and supportive throughout the trip.
- Country Roads of Scotland (Classic)
Great trip - no hiccups, hotels fine considering the remoteness of some. Driver, Nat, and Guide, Mike, should be congratulated for their work to make this trip so good.
